Neurological Basis of Behavior

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the neurological basis of behavior, including historical perspectives, brain anatomy, and functions.

What are the two major components of the forebrain?

The two major components of the forebrain are the telencephalon and diencephalon.

Who is considered the father of modern physiological psychology?

Rene Descartes is considered the father of modern physiological psychology.

What element did Luigi Galvani discover related to brain function?

Luigi Galvani discovered the role of electricity in brain functioning.

What did Darwin contribute to physiological psychology?

Darwin contributed the concept of evolution.

What covers the entire nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord?

The entire nervous system is covered by tough connective tissue called meninges.

What are the three planes of section in the human nervous system?

The three ways to section the human nervous system are transversely (cross-section), horizontal, and sagittal.

Define the term 'dura mater.'

Dura mater is the outer, thick layer of the meninges that protects the brain.

What is the role of the thalamus in the brain?

The thalamus receives most neural input to the cerebral cortex.

What structures make up the limbic system?

The limbic system includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and fornix.

What are the main functions of the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is responsible for attention, perception, awareness, thought, memory, language, and consciousness.

What separates the pia mater and arachnoid membrane?

The space between the pia mater and arachnoid membrane contains cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

The basal ganglia are involved in the control of movement.

What does the term 'neurosecretory cells' refer to?

Neurosecretory cells secrete hormones that control various functions like drinking and sleeping.

Name the major parts of the basal ganglia.

The major parts of the basal ganglia include the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.

What do we find in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex?

The gray matter in the cerebral cortex contains cell bodies, dendrites, and interconnecting axons of neurons.

What does the term 'neuraxis' refer to?

The neuraxis refers to the central axis of the nervous system.

What is the role of the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata is involved in regulating respiration and skeletal muscle tone.

How is the human body compared to a machine according to Descartes?

Descartes compared the human body to a machine, suggesting movements are involuntary and automatic.

Describe what happens during reflex action.

In reflex action, a stimulus elicits an automatic response without direct involvement of the brain.

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system and regulates functions such as sleep and thirst.

Physical structure found in the middle layer of meninges?

The middle layer of the meninges is the arachnoid membrane.

What does the term 'cerebral aqueduct' refer to?

The cerebral aqueduct is a channel that connects the third and fourth ventricles of the brain.

What important feature is associated with the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is associated with the primary motor cortex, responsible for voluntary movement.

What structure is responsible for learning and memory within the limbic system?

The hippocampus is responsible for learning and memory.

What type of information does the cerebellum process?

The cerebellum processes visual, auditory, vestibular, and somatosensory information.

What is the significance of the primary auditory cortex?

The primary auditory cortex processes sound information received from the ears.

Which structures are involved in the regulation of emotional responses?

The amygdala is involved in the regulation of emotional responses.

What structure do the cerebral hemispheres encompass?

The cerebral hemispheres encompass the cerebral cortex.

What anatomical direction does 'rostral' refer to?

Rostral refers to the front or anterior direction in the brain.

What major brain region is responsible for processing visual information?

The occipital lobe is responsible for processing visual information.

How does the body respond during stress according to physiological psychology?

The body responds automatically to stress via involuntary reflexes.

What does the term 'ventral' imply in anatomical context?

Ventral implies toward the belly or front side of the body.

Which structure is considered the 'seat of emotion' in ancient beliefs?

The heart was historically considered the 'seat of emotion'.

What kind of behavior does the tegmentum control?

The tegmentum controls sleep, attention, and muscle movement.

Which part of the brain is responsible for auditory processing?

The temporal lobe is primarily responsible for auditory processing.

Name the anatomical subdivision that includes the pons.

The pons is part of the metencephalon within the hindbrain.